Author: gqSbgCfmna

Across industries, logistics is undergoing a fundamental shift. The growing complexity of supply chains, coupled with rising customer expectations for speed and transparency, is pushing companies to rethink how goods move from origin to destination. At the center of this transformation is Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling businesses to operate with greater precision, efficiency, and foresight.

K-Logistikus

Against this backdrop, K-Logistikus Philippines, a joint venture between Logistikus, Inc. and Asia’s logistics powerhouse KLN, is taking a decisive step forward-placing AI at the core of its modernization strategy. Known for its strengths in integrated logistics, freight forwarding, warehousing, and last-mile delivery, the company continues to evolve alongside the changing demands of the market.

‘Logistics plays a critical role in unlocking business potential. Through K-Logistikus Philippines, we aim to provide solutions that not only move goods efficiently but also help enterprises scale, compete, and succeed,’ said Sulficio O. Tagud, Jr., CEO and President of K-Logistikus Philippines.

For K-Logistikus, AI adoption goes beyond incremental upgrades. The company is building a fully data-driven organization by embedding intelligence across its core business units, including Demand Driven Logistics, Cross-Dock, Integrated Contract Logistics, Domestic Freight, and Point-to-Point (P2P).

This transformation is reshaping day-to-day operations. AI-powered tools are being used to forecast demand, optimize delivery routes, and improve ETA accuracy. In warehouses, intelligent slotting and predictive analytics enhance inventory placement and resource allocation, reducing inefficiencies across the supply chain.

At the systems level, K-Logistikus is integrating AI into its Warehouse Management System (WMS), Transport Management System (TMS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). These enhancements enable smarter planning, faster decision-making, and greater operational visibility. A centralized data platform with real-time dashboards is also being developed, allowing teams to monitor performance and respond proactively to disruptions.

K-Logistikus

Customer experience is also evolving. AI-driven tracking, automated notifications, and more responsive support are improving transparency and reliability-key factors for businesses operating in time-sensitive industries.

This modernization aligns with KLN’s 2025 global rebrand, which emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. By optimizing routes and improving efficiency, K-Logistikus also supports ESG goals, particularly in reducing fuel consumption and enabling more sustainable logistics practices.

The impact is clear: streamlined operations, lower costs, accessible operations information and improved service delivery. More importantly, K-Logistikus is helping bridge the gap between local logistics needs and global standards, enabling businesses-from retail to FMCG to pharmaceuticals-to operate with more resilient and intelligent supply chains.

K-Logistikus’ transformation reflects a broader industry shift. Logistics is no longer defined solely by physical movement, but by the intelligence that powers it. By embedding AI into its operations, the company is not just modernizing-it is helping shape the future of logistics in the Philippines.

United Airlines has implemented broad-based fare hikes of 15 to 20 percent as it seeks to offset the surge in gasoline prices while protecting profits, executives said Wednesday.

The big US carrier, which has also trimmed its 2026 flying capacity by 5 percent, aims to recover 100 percent of the added costs from the jet fuel price spike due to the Middle East war.

Chief Executive Scott Kirby described oil prices as ‘incredibly volatile,’ but said the company’s plan is based on the assumption that ‘fuel may remain higher for longer.’

While the airline has yet to see pullback from customers due to high fares, United may cut back additional flights in 2027 if demand ebbs, Kirby said.

United on Tuesday reported higher first-quarter profits but lowered its full-year profit forecast due to jet fuel costs. United expects fuel prices to average $4.30 per gallon in the second quarter, up 55 percent from the average in the first quarter.

Other carriers too

Other airlines have also announced fare increases and capacity curtailments in response to the surge in oil prices since the US-Israel siege on Iran launched on Feb. 28.

The head of the International Air Transport Association on April 17 called on authorities to put ‘well-coordinated plans in place’ in case of jet fuel rationing.

Worries about jet fuel availability are more acute in Asia and Europe compared with the United States, said United Chief Financial Officer Michael Leskinen.

‘We don’t see a lack of availability being an issue at all in the US. It’s a price issue,’ Leskinen said.

‘However, even in Europe and Asia, as we sit here today, we think it’s a price issue not an availability issue,’ said Leskinen adding that ‘spot outages’ could happen in Europe and Asia if the conflict drags on.

Fans were quick to react after Kaila Estrada’s half-brother, Luigi Muhlach, casually referred to Daniel Padilla as his ‘bayaw’ (brother-in-law), sparking buzz among supporters of the actress and actor, collectively known as ‘KaiNiel.’

In an Instagram post on April 21, Muhlach shared photos and videos from his 39th birthday celebration. Padilla left a friendly greeting in the comments, writing, ‘Happy kaarawan, tol!!! FORE!!!’ Luigi then replied, ‘Maraming salamat, bayaw! April boys, let’s go!!’

Social media users, particularly the supporters of Padilla and Estrada, flooded the comments with reactions, many saying they were ‘kilig’ (excited) and surprised by the exchange.

Luigi is the son of actors Aga Muhlach and Janice de Belen, making him the half-brother of Kaila, who is Janice’s daughter with former partner John Estrada.

While Padilla and Kaila have yet to directly confirm their relationship, the pair have been seen together on several occasions. The actor attended and delivered a song performance at the actress’ recent 30th birthday party.

Padilla also attended the recent family event of the Estradas and De Belens. The actor’s youngest sister, Leila Ford, also expressed her support for her brother and Kaila’s growing romance.

‘Masaya lang po talaga ako for them. I’m so happy that she makes my brother happy,’ Ford said at the time.

Kaila’s mother, Janice, and Padilla’s mother, Karla Estrada, likewise showed support for the pair’s relationship.

Padilla was previously in an 11-year relationship with actress Kathryn Bernardo, who is now rumored to be dating Lucena Mayor Mark Alcala.

Angge Poyos admitted that blowing a two-set lead hurt for the University of Santo Tomas as they missed the outright chance to clinch a berth to the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball stepladder semifinals.

But the Tigresses have no time to dwell on the loss, shifting their focus to their Playoff for No.4 against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

‘The loss hurts, but we have to move on right away. We’ll come in more confident on Saturday because our fate is in our hands. That’s what we’ll hold on to, giving our best no matter what,’ said Poyos after pouring in 24 points, 15 receptions, and nine digs.

Poyos kept UST afloat in the decider, but her attack error sent NU to match point before Vange Alinsug nailed the game-winning kill to clinch the No.2 spot with a come-from-behind 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 15-13 win on Wednesday.

‘One factor was miscommunication, especially in crucial moments like when it was tied 13-all. There was a miscommunication with Ate Cassie (Carballo), so communication really played a big role,’ she said. ‘We struggled to close out the game. We were up 2-0 but couldn’t finish it in the third or fourth set.’

Poyos urged her teammates to keep their heads up with their final chance to keep their semifinal streak going.

‘It’s frustrating because we were already close, but still couldn’t get it. For now, our focus is recovery, rest tomorrow, then prepare for Saturday since that’s the most important game for us to make the semis,’ said the former league Rookie of the Year. ‘We just have to stay patient and move on quickly from what happened. We played well, but it still wasn’t enough to get the win.’

Although UST swept FEU in the elimination round, Poyos has no room for complacency in a do-or-die game for the right to face Adamson in the stepladder semis.

‘We just have to give everything, our 101%, and not doubt ourselves. It’s a do-or-die game this Saturday, and we know FEU will come back strong. We won’t just let this slip. We really want to make the Final Four. We’ll stay patient and just perform at our best,’ said Poyos.

The Bangsamoro government extended its gratitude to former presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. for his dedicated public service.

‘The Bangsamoro Government extends its sincere gratitude to Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. for his dedicated service and commitment as Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity,’ Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Abuldraof Macacua said in a statement.

Galvez bowed out of public service on Tuesday, ending a 46-year career in government, starting as a soldier. He said he would focus on his family.

Galvez was replaced by former Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento.

Macacua also welcomed the appointment of Sarmiento, who took his oath of office before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday.

Macacua said he is looking forward to working closely together with Sarmiento.

‘I hope to build a strong partnership based on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to sustaining the gains of the peace process, especially in the Bangsamoro region,’ Macacua said.

‘I am hopeful that, under the new leadership, we can sustain the momentum and complete the remaining priorities of the transition, so that the benefits of peace can be felt by all Bangsamoro people,’ he added.

The province of Iloilo has once again secured its place as a hub for academic excellence as Royce Arjan Fantillan, a native of Oton town, claimed the top spot in the April 2026 Pharmacists Licensure Examination.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Wednesdsy that Fantillan, a graduate of the University of San Agustin, bested thousands of examinees nationwide with a stellar rating of 94.65 percent.

For Fantillan, a resident of Poblacion West, Oton, the news came while he was scrolling through social media to ease the anxiety of the wait.

‘I opened Messenger and saw our group chat blowing up. Then I saw a picture of the list of topnotchers,’ Fantillan recalled. ‘I was in shock. When it finally sank in, I immediately hugged my parents. They were the very first people I wanted to know.’

The son of a retired seaman, Fantillan credits his success to his family’s unwavering support. Despite describing their life as a modest, middle-class existence, he noted that his parents provided the ‘time and space’ necessary for him to focus entirely on his goals.

Fantillan’s journey to the top was unconventional. Unlike the stereotypical ‘studious’ topnotcher, the 22-year-old admitted he struggled with distractions and preferred the hum of coffee shops over the quiet of a bedroom.

‘I couldn’t study well inside the house. I preferred going out, finding a new environment in coffee shops with good ambiance,’ Fantillan shared. He added that his ‘secret weapon’ was a combination of intense, late-stage study spurts and a solid support system of friends who reviewed alongside him.

The two-day exam, held on April 18 and 19, was described by Fantillan as a grueling test of ‘testmanship’ and logic, featuring many new concepts not previously seen in review materials.

Fantillan’s individual victory mirrored the institutional success of his alma mater. The University of San Agustin in Iloilo City emerged as the only top-performing school with more than 100 examinees, registering an impressive 82.43 percent passing rate, with 122 successful examinees out of 148 takers.

The new topnotcher admits that his university performance gave him a quiet confidence. ‘I set an expectation for myself that if I could do it in San Ag, I could conquer the board exam too,’ he said.

While many top-performing pharmacists head straight into community or clinical practice, Fantillan is looking toward the classroom.

‘I want to join the academe; that’s my preferred career path,’ he revealed, adding that he is also considering a future in Medicine. For now, however, the nation’s newest top pharmacist plans to take a well-deserved vacation before beginning his professional journey.

Fantillan’s success serves as a testament to the growing prestige of Western Visayas in the medical and allied health fields, proving that local talent can rise to the national stage through a mix of grit, community support, and-in his case-the perfect cup of coffee.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., on Thursday, inspected the 11-hectare township built under the administration’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa mga Pilipino (4PH) program in Barangay Atate here.

The Palayan City Township Project, which, according to Palayan City Mayor Vianne Nicole Cuevas, already has about 2,000 unit takers through the Home Development Mutual Fund, or Pag-IBIG.

Some 200 of them have already occupied their respective units, Cuevas said.

The township, which includes an elementary school, livelihood center, administrative offices, central park, basketball court, mini market, and aquaponics gardens, has 11,000 available housing units

Together with Cuevas, Nueva Ecija 3rd District Rep. Jay Vergara, and other officials, the President also met with ambulant vendors who sell locally produced vegetables, including those selling through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo at the Farmers Plaza here.

There, the President led the distribution of 100 10-kilogram sacks of rice to vendors.

Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is still in the Philippines, according to his lawyer and spokesperson Ade Fajardo on Thursday.

In a statement, Romualdez’ camp acknowledged the precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) issued by the Sandiganbayan despite getting clearance from House Speaker Bojie Dy to travel to Singapore for a ‘long-overdue’ four-day medical check-up.

‘At the outset, we categorically clarify: Rep. Romualdez is in the Philippines and has not left the country. Any report or insinuation that he has fled is false and irresponsible,’ Fajardo stressed.

‘Rep. Romualdez followed the proper process. He sought and secured the necessary travel authority, and coordinated in good faith with the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Immigration,’ he added.

The Sandiganbayan issued the PHDO on Romualdez on Wednesday night, after a request by the Office of the Ombudsman to keep the ex-House leader in the country amid an investigation into his alleged involvement in the 2025 budget mess and the infrastructure corruption scandal.

‘Unfortunately, [Romualdez’ travel to Singapore] has been twisted to create a prejudicial narrative that he intended to flee,’ Fajardo maintained.

‘We will avail of all appropriate legal remedies to question the issuance of this order before the proper forum,’ he added.

The PHDO stemmed from a complaint-affidavit filed last Monday by the Ombudsman’s special panel of investigators to its Preliminary Investigation, Administrative Adjudication and Monitoring Office (PAMO).

In a statement on Wednesday, Fajardo said of the purported complaint, ‘We have not received any official copy of the alleged complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman.’

He added that their camp categorically and unequivocally denied any wrongdoing; and stressed that Romualdez ‘acted at all times within the bounds of [the] law.’

‘We expect due process to be observed. Once formally furnished, we will respond fully before the proper forum,’ Fajardo also said.

Sergio Veloso’s era with Ateneo Blue Eagles has come to an end.

After three seasons, the Brazilian coach handled his final game in the UAAP-and in the Philippines-as Ateneo absorbed a heartbreaking 22-25, 23-25, 25-12, 25-21, 15-10 loss to Far Eastern University to close its Season 88 campaign on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

According to reports, Veloso has already decided to leave after this season. Tiebreakertimes broke the news.

‘This is my last season in Ateneo. I am leaving the Philippines. I’ll work. I am part of the FIVB program. And now in this situation, I am now out of the PNVF,’ Veloso said.

‘For this time, Ateneo decided not only this season. This decision started in the last year, when change came in the PNVF.’

Veloso finished his final season with a 2-12 record.

Under his belt, Ateneo missed the chance to end a four-year Final Four drought. His first two seasons ended with identical 5-9 records when Lyann De Guzman and AC Miner were still leading the team.

Veloso was brought in by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation in 2023, handling the Alas Pilipinas squad in the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games before Angiolino Frigoni replaced him for the FIVB Volleyball World Championship.

‘I want to thank Ateneo, thank the PNVF, for this opportunity to share my knowledge and my players. Not only for the girls, but for the national men’s team too, and for me, it’s so glad,’ said Veloso. ‘When I look at the end of the match, all the players, and the former players AC, Lyann, and Roma (Doromal). They give me nicknames, they call me ‘dad.’ And this for me is so good, because I know I can touch the players.’

As he leaves the country, Veloso brings precious memories not just from Philippine volleyball but from all the Filipinos he met.

‘When I think about the countries where I worked in the world, I stayed here three seasons, and if you ask me, out of my country, out of Brazil, here in the Philippines, I think it’s the best. Because the people, it’s more similar than Brazil. I tell them, the Philippines, they are Latin Asians, because the country has a lot of influence because it’s a Spanish-Latin country, and I appreciate it a lot,’ the outgoing Ateneo coach said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) released funds amounting to at least P92.8 million for a flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, linked to former Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. and several others, despite alleged irregularities in billing documents, an official told the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division on Wednesday.

Testifying at the hearing for the malversation case against Revilla and his coaccused, DPWH finance director Genevieve Cuaresma confirmed alleged irregularities in the monthly certificate of payment and Statement of Work Accomplished (Sowa) for the project.

Cuaresma said the documents were not signed by former DPWH assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez and district engineer Henry Alcantara.

Hernandez is among the coaccused in the case, while Alcantara is a state witness.

The lack of signatures, according to Cuaresma, made the documents ‘incomplete, illegal,’ adding that the payments should not have been released as a result.

The Sowa also declared the project ‘95.17 percent’ complete but when Third Division chair Associate Justice Karl Miranda inspected the site last week, there were no visible structures aside from several steel sheet piles.